Prehypertension is defined as which blood pressure range?

• A. Below 120/80
• B. Systolic 120-139 and diastolic 80-89
• C. Systolic 140-159 and diastolic 90-99
• D. Systolic 160+ and diastolic 110+

Answer: (B)

Blood pressure categories help identify risk and guide management. Prehypertension is the range where blood pressure is elevated above normal but not high enough to be classified as hypertension. It is defined as systolic 120–139 mmHg or diastolic 80–89 mmHg. This category signals increased risk for developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease, so the emphasis is on lifestyle changes to prevent progression, such as weight management, regular aerobic activity, sodium reduction, and smoking cessation. In practice, verify readings on separate occasions to confirm persistence, and monitor the patient’s response to exercise while continuing risk-factor modification. Values in the higher ranges represent hypertension, not prehypertension.